Throat cancer

neal51a
neal51a Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2000. At first, it was believed it was benign then, after surgery, tests showed it was malignant. It was in a rare position, in the back of the throat by the tonsils.
I was told most with this type of cancer only live about five years. I'm still here!

Comments

  • BugHunter
    BugHunter Member Posts: 152
    survival rate........
    I was told the 5 year survival rate was much higher, I guess in 9 years they have gotten that much better! creeping up on 2 years myself!
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    wow
    Congratulations, Neil! You have not just exceeded expectations and statistics, but completely shattered them!

    I agree with Bughunter, though, that a lot has changed in the last nine years. You must know that yourself. These days, head and neck cancer, if you get to year five, has a greater than 90% survival rate!

    Even so, your example is a great one, one more positive testimony to the value of hope, effort, and determination.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member

    wow
    Congratulations, Neil! You have not just exceeded expectations and statistics, but completely shattered them!

    I agree with Bughunter, though, that a lot has changed in the last nine years. You must know that yourself. These days, head and neck cancer, if you get to year five, has a greater than 90% survival rate!

    Even so, your example is a great one, one more positive testimony to the value of hope, effort, and determination.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Take care,

    Joe

    Survival rates
    In addition, I would add that with an ever growing percentage of HNC incidents that test positive for HPV 16 or 18, the survival rates continue to improve. Incredible to understand, but HPV positive cancers respond to treatment considerably better than HPV negative cancers. My Oncologist told me my odds at 5 years increased by 10-15% just due to the presence of HPV 16.

    A strange silver lining to a black cloud.

    Be well all................JK